Process for the preparation of hydroxycycloalkanones



United States Patent 3,432,393 7 PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION or HYDROXYCYCLOALKANONES l aul 'Bellet, Paris, and Truong Van Thuong, Clichy-sous- Bois, France, assignors to Roussel-UCLAF, Paris,

France, a corporation of France a t No Drawing. Filed Apr. 19, 1966, Ser. No. 543,531

Claims priority, applictitsi zlrasl rance, Apr. 28, 1965,

us. (:1. 195-51 6 Claims Int. 'Cl. C12b 1/00; c07 49/00 ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION A An object of the present invention is the development of a process for the preparation of optically active l-hydroxycycloalkane-3-ones of the formula wherein n represents an integer selected from the group consisting of 1 and 2 and R represents a substituent selected from the group consisting of (1) an aliphatic carbon chain having from 4 to 18 carbon atoms, said carbon chain having functional groups selected from the group consisting of hydrogens, ketones, carboxyls, carboalkoxys, hydoxyls, alkoxys, halogens, double bonds, alkyls, aralkyls, aryls and cyclohexyls, and (2) having functional groups selected from the group consist ing of hydrogens, ketones, hydroxyls, halogens, alkoxys, double bonds and alkyls, which comprises the steps of subjecting a symmetric cycloalkane-1,3-dione of the formula wherein R and n have the above-noted meanings, to the action of reducing enzymes produced by cultures of.

estratetraene-l7-ol-l4-one of the natural series and the levorotatory hemiacetal of l-hydroxy-2-methyl-2-(3'-oxobutyl)-cyclohexane-3-one.

These and other objects of the invention will become more apparent as the description thereof proceeds.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION According to the invention, the starting cycloalkane diones and the resultant hydroxycycloalkanones have, respectively, the general Formulas I and II:

In the Formulas I and II, R represents a hydrocarbon substituent comprising 4 to 18 carbon atoms, capable of carrying ketonic groups, functional groups such as acids, esters, hydroxyls, alkyloxys, halogens and radicals, such as alkyls, aralkyls, aryls and cyclohexyls, constituting a straight or branched chain, saturated or unsaturated or constituted by the group JHL l l capable of having one or several multiple carbon-carbon bonds, and wherein n represents an integral number equal to 1 or 2.

The compounds I, the starting materials for the process of the invention, possess essentially the following characteristic ,features:

(1) They have a plane of symmetry and, therefore, are

naturally unresolvable.

(2) The two ketonic groups, capable of being converted by microbiological reduction into hydroxyl groups, are placed on one and the same ring, pentagonal or hexagonal in ,B-position, one from the other.

(3) The carbon placed in Ot-POSIIIOH, between the two ketonic groups of compound I, supports two different substituents CH and R.

A microbiological reduction of these compounds I by a disymmetric reactant, such as an enzyme secreted by a strain of a micro-organism, with a view to obtain the optically active compounds II, was a reaction certainly delicate to be realized. It is not exactly known what would be the influence of the structure and of the spatial hindrance of the substituents CH and R, in immediate proximity in relation to the reaction, on the asymmetric reduction of only one of the two ketonic groups.

, could not be predicted with certainty which stereoisomer would be formed and what would be the degree of stereoselectivity of the reaction.

In eifect, the conversion of compound I into compound II can lead to the formation of two adjacent asymmetric carbons and, consequently, provides the possibility of obtaining in variable proportion four optically active stereoisomers, among which one only is desired.

Finally, the compound II still comprising a ketonic group is capable of undergoing a more forceful reduction leading to the non-utilizable dihydroxylated compounds. It could also undergo diverse degradations in the reaction mixture particularly due to its B-ketal structure, All of these secondary reactions have to be avoided if a good yield in compound II and an easy separation of the latter are to be obtained.

The asymmetric reduction by microbiological means of compound I into a stereoisomer clearly defined in compound II would, consequently, appear most difficult. However, it has now been found that there is indeed, under the action of reducing enzymes, an asymmetric reduction of one only of the two ketonic groups of compound I, with the formation of compound II.

Furthermore, it was found that ketonic groups, carbonto-carbon double bonds, a substituent such as a halogen or functional groups such as acids and esters, carried by R, do not influence the reduction in any perceptible manner.

It has also been discovered, and this is precisely one of the principal objects of the invention, that, following the experimental conditions of the reductions, in particular according to the choice of the micro-organism, it is possible to form in practically exclusive fashion a single one of the four optically active stereoisomers of compound II and to isolate the same under very satisfactory conditions.

The advantages provided by the invention will be clearly understandable by the examples explained in detail later on. In the meantime, it has already been shown that this process by microbiological means does not require any onerous reactant and that it allows one to obtain an optically active compound II, starting with an inactive compound I, with a yield which is not limited and which may be quantitative under the best conditions.

This is not the case when the conventional methods of resolution by formation of two diastereoisomeric salts are utilized. Actually, in this case half of the starting racemic compound is lost, and the final yield of the resolved product rarely exceeds 40%. Moreover, this process must utilize a compound capable of undergoing salt formation.

As it can be concluded from the preceding, a process for the preparation of optically active l-hydroxy-cycloalkane-3-ones of the general Formula II has been discovered characterized essentially in that the symmetric cycloalkane-l,3-diones of the general Formula I are subjected to the action of reducing enzymes produced by means of micro-organism cultures, selected from the group consisting of the Fungi imperfecti, the Actinomycetales, the yeasts and bacteria, in particular, by the Rhizopus genus, such as Rhizopus arrhizus and Rhizopus nigricans; Mucor spinosus; Curvularia falcata; Gongronela urceolifera; Aspergillus niger; Streptomyces platensis; the Saccharomyces genus and the Pseudomonas genus.

In the general Formulas I and II, the substituent R has the above-cited meanings. In particular, this substituent containing 4 to 18 carbon atoms can be alkyl, alkenyl, or alkadienyl, substituted with substituents selected from the group consisting of alkyl, ketonc, halogen, carboxyl, carbo-lower alkoxy and hydroxy; as well as cyclic substituents such as phenylalkyl, substituted phenylalkyl, phenyl and cyclohexyl. In addition, R can represent the group.

and particularly CIiz-Cllr where the two rings represent the A and B rings of an eventual steroid. These two rings likewise can be substituted with the substituents named above and can contain one or more double bonds.

'One of the most outstanding characteristics of the process of the invention lies in the fact, that this process is particularly suitable for the preparation of the optically active compounds of type II usable directly for the total synthesis of the natural steroids. Thus, when starting with the cyclopentanediones of type III, according to the process of the invention, optically active hydroxycyclopentanones of type IV are obtained, R representing a lower alkyl radical in these formulas. 1

In the copending commonly assigned US. patent application Ser. No. 361,872, filed Apr. 22, 1964, a novel process is described for the synthesis of 19-nor steroids, wherein compound III, intermediately obtained by condensation of Z-methyl-cyclopentane-1,3-dione with a lower alkyl 5-oxo-6-heptenoate, is converted into the isomer of the bicyclic compound V, corresponding with the natural series, according to the following flow diagram:

CH3 CH3 COzRr (III) I COzRt resolution i I 00211 C021[ l COzH Compound V is then converted into a l9-nor steroid.

This sequence of reactions requires the operation of a conventional resolution of a racemic acid by an active base. This operation results in a yield of about 40%.

The bicyclic compound V, with a specific rotation [a] =+31.5i1 (c.=1% in acetone), is of particular interest since it leads to the 19-nor steroid derivatives, such as estrone, 19-nor testosterone and all of the products to which they are related.

It has now been discovered that, according to the proccess of the present invention, it is possible to reduce microbiologically the compound IIIa, or 2-methyl-2-(3'- oxo 6'-carbomethoxy-hexyl)-cyclopentane-1,3dione (III,

microbiological reduction COzCHa (IIIa) /OH CH3 /OH H30 O H H O2CH3 02H aD=-35=|;2 a =+31.5;l:1 (chloroform) (acetone) V The methyl ester IIIa is not the only ester capable of giving by microbiological reduction, according to the process of the invention, the isomer corresponding with the natural series. It is obvious that the other lower alkyl esters of compound III (R =lower alkyl) can furnish the same result and that the selection of the methyl ester does not imply any limitation on the invention.

It was found that by utilizing, in particular, the fungi of the Rhizopus genus, such as the arrhizus or nigricans species, the isomer IVa was obtained in practicall exclusive manner by reduction of the compound IIIa. Under these conditions, the other stereoisomers of type IVa could not be detected in the reaction mixture. In addition, the Rhizopus arrhizus species have given until now the best yield of compound Na. 7

The mode of execution actually preferred consists in subjecting the compound IIIa to the reducing action of a Rhizopus arrhizus culture, Fischer (ATCC 11145) under aerobic conditions.

The microbiological reduction is etfected advantageously at a temperature of between 26 C. and 37 C. over a period extending from one to about four days. The starting dione is mixed either with the Rhizopus arrhizus culture in glucose media or with mycelium placed in suspension in distilled water after elimination of the culture media. It may be added, for example, in the form of an ethanolic solution or placed in suspension in the incubation media or in distilled water containing the previously introduced mycelium. It was observed that 4 gm. of mycelium are capable of reducing at least 8 gm. of cyclo alkanedione, IIIa.

Under these conditions, the total amount of conversion of 111:: into IVa exceeds 70%. Therefore, the process of the invention appears superior to the former process, as it permits the preparation of the bicyclic compound V, starting with compound IIIa, with a greater yield and by fewer operational steps.

Within the body of the invention, it has also been establish'ed that the reduction of compound IIIa, for example, by Mucor spinosus, Curvularia falcata, Streptomyces platensis, Pseudom onas aeruginosa or Pseudomonas tabacci, effects the formation of a mixture of compound Na and of a dextrorotatory diastereoisomer corresponding to the structure of lfl-hydroxy-2a-methyl-2fi- (3-oxo-6'-ca'rbomethoxy-hexyl) cyclopentane 3 one, IVb.

VIb

This compound IV]; is obtained in practically exclusive fashion when the reduction of compound IIIa is etfected, in particular, with Aspergillus niger or Saccharomyces cerevisias.

The compounds such as IVb are of a great interest regarding the total synthesis of steroids with inverted configuration presenting antihorrnonal properties. Moreover, it has been shown that compound IVb can be cyclicized in acid media into 1/8-hydroxy-4-(2-carboxyethyl)- 5-oxo-7a-a-methyl-5,6,7,7a-tetrarydroindane, Vb, a diastereoisomer of compound V. Compound Vb is then oxidized with chromic acid into l,5-dioxo-4-(2-carboxyethyl) 7a-a-methyl-5,6,7,7a tetrahydroindane VII). The compounds Vb or VIb may then be converted into inverted steroids by employing the process described in US. patent application Ser. No. 361,872.

The process of the invention may be employed for the purpose of reducing symmetrical cycloalkanediones, I, other than those of Formula III. Thus, by reduction of 2-methyl-2-(3-oxo-butyl)-cyclopentane-1,3-dione, VII, in particular, with the aid of a Rhizopus arrhizus culture, levorotatory (chloroform) 15 hydroxy 2B methyl-2a- (3'-oxo-butyl)-cyclopentane-3-one, VIII, is obtained according to the following flow diagram:

CH3 OH; OH

microbiological o 0 H reduction o 0 VII VIII In the same manner, the reduction of 2-methyl-2-(3- ch1oro-2-butene-yl)-cyclopentane-l,3-done, 1X, for example, by means of a Rhizopus arrhizus culture, leads to dextrorotatory (chloroform) l-hydroxy-Z-methyl-Z-(3'- chloro-2-butene-yl)-cyclopentane-3-one, X.

The optically active compounds, such as compounds VIII and X, can serve as intermediates for the total synthesis of steroids. They are, for this reason, of great significance. It has been shown that compound VIII with a specific rotation [a] =4'0i2 (c.=2% in chloroform) corresponds well with the natural series. In fact, compound VIII, after esterification into the p-nitrobenzoic ester XI, is converted first by cyclization in acid media, then by saponification into 1,B-hydroxy-S-oxo-7a,fl-methyl- 5,6,7,7a-tetrahydr0indane in the form of p-nitrobenzoic ester XII, with a .specific. rotation [a] =-]9Zi2 (c.=0.5% in benzene) and thereafter into the free alcohol, XIIa, with a specific rotation [a] =+93 (c.'=0.45% in benzene). Compounds XII and XIIa have already been described and their structures determined.

The 3-methoxy-8,14-seco-A -estratetraene-14, 17-dione subjected, according to the process of the invention, to the action of reducing enzymes, in particular, those products obtained by a Rhizopus arrhizus or Aspergillus niger culture, is reduced to a product presenting a levorotatory rotation with a specific rotation [a] '=-22.5 (c.=2% in chloroform). A structure of 3-methoxy-8,14 seco Alfifiumfiul) estratetraene-17-ol- 14-one, of the natural series, has been attributed to this product. This compound is an optically active intermediate compound of great importance for the total synthesis of the steroids.

Also in accordance with the process of the invention, 2-methyl-2-(3-oxo-butyl)-cyclohexane-1,3-dione was subjected to the action, for example, of a strain of Rhizopus arrhizus in a glucose media. Under these conditions, there resulted a formation of a levorotatory compound with a specific rotation [a] =48i1 (c.=1.14% in chloroform), corresponding most probably with the structure of 1-hydroxy-2-methyl-2-(3'-oxo-butyl)-cyc1ohexane-3 one in hemi-acetalic form. This compound can be converted according to the described processes into D-homo-steroids.

The following examples will serve for better comprehension of the invention. However, it is to be understood that they do not limit the invention in any manner.

Preparation 1.2-methyl-2-(3-oxo-6'carbomethoxyhexyl)-cyc1opentane-1,3-dione, IIIa 63.9 gm. of methyl-5-oxo-6-heptenoate and 45.9 gm. of 2-methyl-cyclopentane-1,3-dione were introduced into a mixture of hydroquinone, 32 cc. of anhydrous pyridine and 140 cc. of anhydrous toluene. The mixture was heated at reflux under an atmosphere of nitrogen over a period of 16 hours. The solvents were distilled therefrom under vacuum and an oily residue was obtained which was used as such for the next step of operations or it was purified taking it up in methylene chloride. Next, this solution was washed with water, dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness. In this way, 95.5% of 2-methyl-2-(3'oxo- 6-carbomcthoxy-hcxyl)-cyclopentane-l,3-dione, HR: were isolated in the form of an amber-colored, odorous oil.

Preparation 2.-2-methyl-2- 3 -chloro-2'-butene-yl) cyclopentane-l,3-dione, IX

A solution containing 12.5% of potassium iodide in dimethylformamide was prepared by dissolving gm. of potassium iodide in 150 cc. of dimethylformamidc, of which solution 25 cc. were eliminated by distillation.

To 1.38 cc. of the solution prepared as described above and cooled to 0 C., 165 mg. of l-pyrrolidyl-Z-methyl- 1-cyclopentene-3-one, prepared according to Pancuse et al. (Bull. Soc. Chem. 1956, page 1374) were added and the mixture was agitated for 15 minutes under total absence of light. Thereafter, 0.13 cc. of 1,3-dichlorobutene-2 were added to the mixture and the agitation was continued for 2 /2 hours under exclusion of light.

At the end of this period, 0.3 cc. of water were added to the reaction mixture and it was heated in an oil bath at about 95 C. for 2 hours. Next, the reaction mixture was cooled, poured into water and then extracted with methylene chloride. The extracts obtained were washed with water, dried, filtered and evaporated to dryness under vacuum.

The residue was subjected to chromatography through silica gel with elution with methylene choloride containing 1% of acetone thus obtaining 2-methyl'-2-(3-chloro- 2-butene-yl)-cyclopentane-1,3-dione with a yield of 36.2%.

EXAMPLE I Preparation of 1B-hydroxy-2fi-methyl-2a-(3'-oxo-6'- carbomethoxy-hexyl)-cyclopentane-3-one, IVa (a) The starting compound, in the form of an ethanolic solution, was admixed with an incubation mixture containing culture media and mycelium.

100 cc. of the culture media, hereinafter called 117- Glucose, were introduced into a flask of 250 cc. capacity. The culture media was prepared as follows:

Grams Glucose l0 Corn-steep liquid 10 Soyabean meal 10 Dry malt extract 5 Calcium carbonate 1 Sodium chloride 5 Water, q.s.p. 10000 cc.

After sterilization for 30 minutes at a temperature of 120 C. the media was inoculated with 5 10 spores of Rhizopus arrhizus Fischer (ATCC 11145) per 1 cc. The media was cultivated under aerobic conditions in a rotary shaker for 2 hours at a temperature of 27 C. The preculture thus obtained served to inoculate the production stage. For this purpose, cc. of the sterile media described in the preceding were introduced into a flask of 250 cc. capacity and inoculated with 10% of the preculture and cultivated for 24 hours under the same conditions as previously described.

At the end of this period, 0.2 gm. of 2-methyl-2-(3- oxo-6-carbomethoxy-hexyl)-cyclopentane-1,3-dione, IIIa, dissolved in 1 cc. of ethanol, were introduced therein. The reaction media was agitated first for 24 to 30 hours at 30 C., then for about 45 hours at 26 to 28 C. Next, the cultures, corresponding to 15 identical flasks, were combined. The mycelium was filtered and washed with water which was added to the filtrate. The latter was extracted with chloroform, and the chloroformic extract was washed with water, dried and evaporated to dryness. In this way 3.07 gm. of a residual oil were obtained presenting a negative specific rotation [4x1 in the range of --23 in chloroform. This oil, essentially composed of 1(3- hydroxy-2fl-methyl-2a-(3'-oxo-6'-carbomethoxy hexyl)- icyclopentane-3-one, IVa, may be utilized as such for the cyclization into compound V or it may be purified. For this latter purpose, the oil was subjected to chromatography through a column of Florisil (an activated magnesium silicate). In this manner the homogeneous compound IVa was isolated in the form of an oil, presenting the I.R., R.M.N. and the circular dichroism spectra characteristic of its structure and a specific rotation [u] equal to 35 i2 (c. 2% in chloroform).

This compound is not described in the literature.

(1)) The operative mode used was identical to that described in (a), but a different culture media was utilized.

Into a flask holding 250 cc. 100 cc. of a culture media, hereinafter called 318 Glucose were introduced, prepared as follows:

Grams Difco yeast extract 2 Ammonium sulfate 2 Dipotassium phospate 0.5 Calcium chloride, 2 molecules of water 0.02 Anhydrous magnesium sulfate 0.4 Manganese sulfate, 4 molecules of water 0.05 Zinc sulfate, 7 molecules of water 0.005 Iron sulfate, 7 molecules of water 0.0005 Copper sulfate, 5 molecules of water 0.005 Glucose 10 Lard oil 2 Water, q.s.p.1000 cc.

After a sterilization period of 30 minutes at C., the media was inoculated with 5X10 of Rhizopus arrhizus spores (ATCC 11145 per 1 cc, then the aggregate was aerobically cultivated in a rotary shaker for 24 hours at 27 C.

The preculture thus obtained served to inoculate the production stage. For this purpose, cc. of the sterile media described previously were introduced into a flask of 250 cc. capacity. This media was inoculated with 10% of the preculture and cultivated for 24 hours under the same conditions as previously described.

Thereafter, 0.2 gm. of 2-methyl-2-(3' oxo-6-carbomethoxy-hexyl)-cyclopentane-1,3-dione, IIIa, was in troduced, dissolved in 1 cc. of ethanol, and the reaction was allowed to take its course under the same conditions over a period of 72 hours. Next, the cultures represented in 100 identical flasks were combined; the mycelium was filtered and washed with water which was added to the filtrate and the whole filtrate was extracted with chloroform.

The chloroformic extract was washed with water, dried and evaporated to dryness. Thus, raw lfi-hydroxy- 2,8-methyl-2a-(3'-oxo-6-carbomethoxy-hexyl) cyclopentane-3-one, IVa, was obtained (with a specific rotation [04 in the order of 26). As mentioned under (a), the product could be purified by subjecting it to chromatography or it could be utilized as such for the subsequent steps.

(c) The starting compound, in the form of an ethanolic solution, was admixed with mycelium after the culture media had been eliminated.

A culture of Rhizopus arrhizus (ATCC 11145) was effected in the manner as described under (b) until the 24 hours old production stage was obtained. At the end of this period the culture was centrifuged and the supernatant liquid was eliminated.

The mycelium was gathered, washed with water, then placed in suspension in 100 cc. of water and mixed with 0.4 gm. of 2-methyl-2-(3'-oxo-6-carbomethoxy-hexyl)- cyclopentane-1,3-dione dissolved in 1 cc. of ethanol. The mixture was agitated for 72 hours at a temperature of 30 C.

After this time the culture was gathered; the mycelium was separated; the liquid phase was extracted with chloroform, and then the solvent of the organic phase was removed by evaporation, th-us obtaining raw 1,8-hydroxy- Zfi-methyI-Zw- (3 oxo-6a-carbomethoxy-hexyl)-cycl0pentane-3-one, IV, having a specific rotation [a] in the order of -24.

In the same manner as described under (a), the product could be purified by subjecting to chromatography or it could be utilized as such for the following steps.

(d) The starting compound and mycelium, both suspended in distilled water. i

A culture of Rhizopus arrhizus (ATCC 11145) was produced in the manner described under until the obtention of the suspension of mycelium in 100 cc. of water.

Next, 0.6 gm. of 2-methyl-2-(3'-oxo-6'-carbomethoxyhexyl)-cyclopentane-1,3-dione was introduced into the suspension, which was allowed to stand for 90 hours under agitation at a temperature of 30 C. Thereafter, the culture was gathered; the mycelium was separated by means of filtration and the liquid phase was extracted with chloroform.

The organic phase was evaporated to dryness under vacuum, thus obtaining raw '1B-hydroxy-2B-methyl-2a- (3'-oxo-6'-carbomethoxy-hexyl)-cyclopentane-3-one, IVa, having a specific rotation [a] in the order of 23. As described under (a), the product could be purified by subjecting it to chromatography or it could be used as, such for the following steps.

lit-hydroxy 2 8-methyl-2u-(3 oxo-6-carbomethoxyhexyl)-cyclopentane-3-one, IVa, could be converted into 1B-hydroxy-4-(2'-carboxyethyl) -oxo 7afl methyl- 5,6,7,7a-tetrahydroindane, V, as follows:

Under an atmosphere of nitrogen, 1.62 gm. of 1[3-hy droxy 2B methyl-2a-(3-oxo 6{-carbomethoxy-hexyl)- cyclopentane-3-one, IVa, obtained without being purified under (a), were introduced into 8 cc. of aqueous 5.2 N hydrochloric acid. The mixture was heated first for 7 /2 hours at a temperature of 60 C. and thereafter for /2 hour at about 80 C.

After the mixture was iced for several hours, lp-hydroxy-4-(2-carboxyethyl) 5 oxo 7a 3-methyl-5,6,7,7atetrahydroindane, V, was obtained, solvated by one moleculture media called 304 DL were introduced, this culture media consisting of:

Grams Sodium nitrate 3 Dipotassium phosphate 1.3

Magnesium sulfate solvated with 7 molecules of water 0.5 Ferrous sulfate solvated with 7 molecules of water 0.01

Potassium chloride 0.5 Dextrine 30 Difco yeast extract 5 Water, q.s.p. 1000 cc.

Next, the media was inoculated with 6.5 cc. of an aqueous suspension of Saccharomyces cerevisiaie Hansen, and the whole Was agitated in a rotatory shaker for 24 hours at a temperature of 28 C.

10 cc. of the preculture thus obtained were used to inoculate cc. of a media 117 containing 30 parts per thousand of glucose, prepared in the following manner:

Grams Glucose 30 Corn-steep liquid 10 Soya bean meal 10 Dry malt extract 5 Calcium carbonate 1 Sodium chloride 5 Water, q.s.p. 100 cc.

and the inoculated media agitated in a rotary shaker for 24 hours at a temperature of 28 C.

After this time, 200 mg. of 2-methyl-2-(3-oxo-6-carbomethoxy-hexyl)-cyclopentane-l,3-dione, Illa, dissolved in 1 cc. of ethanol were introduced and the reaction mixture was agitated in a rotary shaker for 94 hours at a temperature of 28 C. Thereafter, the cultures of 50 identical shaker flasks were combined. The mycelium was filtered and washed with acetone. The acetonic wash waters were combined with the filtrate and all of it was extracted with chloroform.

After the organic extracts had been dried and distilled to dryness under vacuum, 1/3-hydroxy-2a-methyl- 25 (3'-oxo-6'-carbomethoxyhexyl)-cyclopentane-3-one, IVb, was obtained with a positive rotation [a] (chloroform).

This compound is not described in the literature.

1;?! hydroxy 2a-methyl-2,6-(3-oxo-6-carb=omethoxyhexyl)-cyclopentane-3-one, IVb, may be converted into levorotatory (acetone), 1;.8-hydroxy-4-(2-carboxyethyl)- 5-oXo-7au-methyI-S,6,7,7a-tetrahydro-indane, Vb, in the following manner:

990 mg. of 1fi-hydroxy-2a-methyl-2p-(3'-oxo-6-canbomethoxy-hexyl)-cyclopentane-3-one, IVb, were introduced into 5 cc. of 5 N hydrochloric acid, and the mixture was heated for 1 hour over a steam bath. After customary separation steps, an acid fraction, successively recrystallized first from ether, then from ethyl acetate, supplied levorotatory 1,6 hydroxy-4-(2'-carboxyethyl)-5-oxo-7aamethyl 5,6,7,7a tetrahydro-indane, Vb, having a melting point of C. and a specific rotation [(1113 =-l5:1 (c.='0.5% in acetone).

Ultraviolet spectra: (ethanol) x 247-248 mg; 6: 12,800.

Analysis.-C H O (molecular weight=238.27) Calculated: C, 65.53%; H, 7.61%. Found: C, 65.6%; H, 7.7%.

The compound is not described in the literature.

The levorotatory (acetone) 1fi-hydr0xy-4-(2-carboxy- 1 1 ethyl) -oxoaa-methyl-S,6,7,7a-tetrahydro-indane, Vb, may be converted into 1,5-dioxo-4-(2'-carboxyethyl)-7aamethyl-5,6,7,7a-tetrahydro-indane, VIb, in the following manner:

75 mg. of levorotatory (acetone) 1fi-hydroxy-4-(2'-carboxyethyl)-5-oxo-7aa-methyl-5,6,7,7a-tetrahydro indane- Vb, {were dissolved in 5 cc. of acetone; then the solution was cooled in an ice bath. 0.1 cc. of a chromic acid solution prepared with 2.70 gm. of chromic acid anhydride, 2.30 cc. of sulfuric acid and water in a sutficient amount to obtain cc. of mixture, were introduced therein. The reaction mixture was agitated for minutes.

1,5 dioxo 4 (2'-carboxyethyl)-7aa-methyl-5,6,7,7atetrahydro-indane, VIb, was obtained having a melting point of 140 C. and a specific rotation [a] :227 (in acetone).

This compound is not described in the literature.

EXAMPLE III Reduction of 2-methyl-2- 3-oxo-6'-carbomethoxy-hexyl cyclopentane-l,3-dione, IIIa, with Streptomyces platensis The microbiological reduction was effected, for example, in the glucose media 117 or 318 under conditions analogous to those described in Example I. As a strain, Streptomyces platensis MacGuire (NRRL 2364) was utilized. In this case, a mixture of lfi-hydroxy-ZB- methyl 2a-(3' oxo-6 carbomethoxy hexyl) cyclopentane-3-one, IVa, and of 1B hydroxy 2a methyl-218- (3 oxo 6'- carbomethoxy hexyl)-cyclopentane-3-one, IVb, was formed, which could be separated by chromatographic means.

EXAMPLE IV Reduction of 2-met'hyl-2-(3'-oxo-6-carbomethoxy-hexyl)- cyclopentane-1,3-dione, IIIa, by Pseudomonas The reduction by means of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC No. 10145 was effected under conditions analogous to Example I. The culture media employed was, however, different. It was composed of:

Grams Yeast autolysate 5 Bacteriological peptone 5 Malt extract 2 Sodium chloride 5 Water, q.s.p. 1000 cc.

As in Example III, a mixture of the compounds IVa and Nb was formed, separable by chromatography.

EXAMPLE V Preparation of 1fl-hydroxy-2B-methyl-2a-(3-oxo butyl)- cyclopentane-3-one, VIII A culture of Rhizopus arrhizus Fischer (ATCC 11145) was prepared according to the working mode described in Example :Ia. Next, with the aid of this culture 50 identical shaker flasks were processed, each containing 0.2 gm. of 2-methyl-2-(3'-oxo-butyl)-cyclopentane-1,3-dione, described by Boyce et al. (J. Chem. Soc., 2, page 2022 [1959]) and, according to the process described in Example Ia, an oily product was isolated which was fractionated by chromatography through Florisil.

Thus, 13 hydroxy 2fl-methyl-2a-(3-oxo-butyl)-cyclopentane-3-one, VIII, was obtained with a specific rotation [a] =40i-2 (c.=2% in chloroform). Infrared, R.M.N. and circular dichroism spectras were in accord with the structure.

The product obtained was colorless, insoluble in water and soluble in most of the usual organic solvents.

Analysis.C H O (molecular weight=184.22) Calculated: C, 65.2%; H, 8.75%. Found: C, 65.2; H, 8.7.

This compound is not described in the literature.

13 hydroxy-2fi-methyl-2a-(3-ox0-butyl)-cyclopentane- 3-one, VIII, can be converted into the p-nitrobenzoate ester of 1,8 hydroxy-2fl-methyl-2a-(3-oxo-butyl)-cyclopentane-3-one, XI, in the following manner:

12 cyclopentane-3-one, VIII, were introduced into 3 cc. of anhydrous benzene and 1.5 cc. of anhydrous pyridine. Next under an atmosphere of nitrogen, a solution of 365 mg. of p-nitro-benzoyl chloride in 3 cc. of anhydrous benzene was added thereto. The reaction mixture was heated at a temperature of 50 to 55 C. for 15 minutes.

After recrystallization from a toluene-isopropyl ether mixture (1:2) the p-nitrobenzoate ester of lit-hydroxy- Zfl-methyl-Za- 3 '-oxo-butyl -cyclopentane-3-one, XI, was obtained, having a melting point first of 98 to 99 C., then of C., after recrystallization, with a specific rotation [a] =+47.5 (c.=0.5% in benzene).

Ultraviolet spectra: (ethanol) Amax, e=13,900.

This compound is not described in the literature.

The p-nitrobenzoate ester of 1fi-hydroxy-2B-methyl-2a- (3'-oxo-butyl)-cyclopentane-3-one, XI, can be converted into the p-nitro-benzoate ester of lfl-hydroxy-5-oxo-7afimethyl-5,6,7,7a-tetrahydro-indane, XII, as follows:

50 mg. of p-toluene sulfonic acid monohydrate were introduced into 25 cc. of anhydrous toluene and 5 cc. of the solvent were removed by distillation. Next, 0.46 gm. f the p-nitro-benzoate ester of lfl-hydroxy-Zfl-methyl 2oz- (3-oxo-butyl)-cyclopentane-3-one, XI, were added thereto. The mixture was heated at reflux for 5 hours. Thereafter, the reaction mixture was cooled, washed first with water, then with a saturated solution of sodium bicarbonate and again with water until the wash waters were neutral.

After drying and evaporation to dryness under vacuum, the residue was dissolved in toluene, then crystallized from iced isopropyl ether. The p-nitro-benzoate ester of lp-hydroxy 5 oxo-7aB methyl-5,6,7,7a-tetrahydro-indane, XII, was obtained. This product had a melting point of 152 C. and a specific rotation [a] =+92i2 (c.=0.5% in benzene).

Ultraviolet spectra: e=22,650.

The saponification of the p-nitro-benzoate ester of 113- hydroxy-5-oxo-7aB-methyl-5,6,7,7a tetrahydro-indane by heating the compound at reflux in methanolic sodium hydroxide gave 1 S-hydroxy-S-oxo-7a,B-methyl-5,6,7,7a-tetrahydro-indane, XIIa, which after crystallization from isopropyl ether had a melting point of 56 to 60 C. with a specific rotation [a] =+93 (c.=0.45% in benzene).

EXAMPLE VI Preparation of l-hydroxy 2 methyl-2-(3chloro-2'-bu tene-yl)-cyclopentane-3-one, X

Into a flask of 250 cc. capacity, 100 cc. of a culture media called 117 Glucose were introduced, prepared as described in Example Ia. After sterilizing this media for 30 minutes at a temperature of 120 C., the culture media was inoculated with Rhizopus arrhizus Fischer (ATCC 11145 and aerobically cultivated for 24 hours at 27 C. in a rotatory shaker.

Thus, a preculture was obtained which served to inoculate the production stage. For this purpose, 100 cc. of the sterile media 117 Glucose were introduced into a 250 cc. flask. The media was inoculated with 10% of the preculture and cultivated for 24 hours under the same conditions as described previously.

After this period, 0.2 gm. of 2-methyl-2-(3'-chloro-2- butene-yl)-cyclopentane1,3-dione, IX, was introduced dissolved in 1 cc. of ethanol, and the reaction medium was agitated for 72 hours at a temperature of 28 C. Thereafter, the cultures, corresponding to 7 identical flasks, were combined. The mycelium was filtered and washed with water. The Wash waters were combined with the filtrate and the whole was extracted with chloroform. The chloroformic extracts, washed with water, dried and evaporated to dryness, furnished a residual oil representing a specific rotation of [a] positive.

This oil composed essentially of l-hydroxy-Z-methyl- 2-(3'-chloro 2' butene-yl) cyclopentane-S-one, X, can

at 258 mp;

(ethanol) A at 243 III/L;

EXAMPLE VII Preparation of 3-methoxy-8,14-seco-A estratetraene-17-ol-14-one, of the natural series A shaker flask containing 100 cc. of the media called 117 Glucose was inoculated with 1.5 cc. of an aqueous suspension of Rhizopus arrhizus Fischer (ATCC 11145) at the rate of 7.5 10 of spores per cc. and the media was agitated in a rotatory shaker for 24 hours at a temperature of 28 'C.

Thereafter, 90 cc. of the said media 117 Glucose containing 50 parts per thousand of glycerol were inoculated with 10 cc. of the suspension of the preceding preculture. Then a solution of 12 mg. of 3 methoxy- 8,14-seco- A -estratetraene-14,17-dione (obtained according to the process described by Windholiz et al. [Org. Chem., 28, page 1092 (1963)]) in 1 cc. of 50% ethanol was immediately added. The culture was then agitated for 54 hours in a rotatory shaker at 28 C.

The contents of 100 identical shaker flasks were combined and the mycelium was filtered and washed with acetone. The filtrate and the acetonic wash waters were combined, and the whole was extracted with chloroform. The organic extracts were dried and distilled to dryness, thus obtaining a levorotatory oil, which could be purilied by subjecting it to chromatography through a column of Florisil and which supplied 3-methoxy-8,14- seco-A -estratetraene-17-ol-14-one of the natural series, with a specific rotation [a] =22.5 (c.=2% in chloroform).

This compound is not described in the literature.

The levorotatory 3 -methOXy-S,14-sec-A estratetraene-l7-ol-14-one of the natural series was obtained under analogous conditions by subjecting 3-methoxy-S,14-seco-A -estratetraene-14,17-dione to the reductive action of a culture of Aspergillus niger Van Tieghem in the 117 Glucose media.

8,14-seco-A -estratetraene-3,l7-dio1 14- one was obtained by reduction according to the process of the invention of 8,14-seco-A -estratetraene-Ii-ol-14, 17-dione obtained according to the process described by Trogov et al., Steroids 4, 31 [1964], by employing the working method described previously.

8,14-seco-A -estratetraene-3,17-diol-14 one, which could be :-characterized by the formation of its methyl ether in the 3 position with the aid of diazomethane, is not described in the literature.

EXAMPLE VHI Preparation of hemi-acetal of l-hydroxy-Z-methyl- 2-(3-oxo-butyl)-cyclohexane-3-one The reduction of 2-methyl-2-(3'-oxo-butyl)-cycl0hexane-1,3,-dione by Rhizopus arrhizus Fischer (ATCC 11145 in 1 17 Glucose media was elfected under conditions analogous to those in Examples I or V. The reaction was maintained for 96 hours. Following extraction, a colorless liquid product was isolated by means of chromatography, having a specific rotation of [ad =-48il (c.=1.14% in chloroform). The structure of this product corresponds to 1-hydroxy-2-methyl-2-(3-oxobutyl)-cyclohexane-3-one in hemi-acetalic form.

Analysis.C H O (molecular weight: 198.25). Cal- 14 culated: C, 66.64%; H, 9.15%; O, 24.21%. Found: C, 67.0%; H, 9.0%; O, 24.4.

The preceding specific embodiments are illustrative of the invention. It is readily apparent, however, that other expedients, as disclosed or as known in the art, may be employed without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

We claim:

1. A process for the preparation of optically active 1- hydroxycycloalkane-3-ones of the formula wherein n represents an integer selected from the group consisting of 1 and 2 and R represents a substituent selected from the group consisting of 1) an aliphatic carbon chain having from 4 to 18 carbon atoms, said carbon chain having functional groups selected from the group consisting of hydrogens, ketones, carboxyls, carboalkoxys, hydroxyls, alkoxys, halogens, double bonds, alkyls, aralkyls, aryls and cyclohexyls, and (2) having functional groups selected from the group consisting of hydrogens, ketones, hydroxyls, halogens, alkoxys, double bonds and alkyls, which comprises the steps of subjecting a symmetric cycloalkane-1,3-dione of the formula wherein R and n have the above-noted meanings, to the action of reducing enzymes produced by cultures of micro-organisms selected from the group consisting of Fungi imperfecti, the Actinomycetales, yeasts and bacteria, and recovering said optically 1-hydroxycyclokane-3-ones.

2. The process of claim 1 wherein said micro-organism is a Fungi imperfecti selected from the group consisting of the Rhizopus genus, Mucor spinosus, Curvularia: falcata and Aspergillus niger.

3. The process of claim 1 wherein said micro-organism is Rhizopus arrhizus.

4. The process of claim 1 wherein said micro-organism is Rhizopus nigricans.

5. The process of claim 1 wherein said micro-organism is selected from the group consisting of Streptomyces platensis, Saccharomyces genus and Pseudomonas genus.

6. A process for the production of levorotatory (chloroform) 1,8 hydroxy 2B methyl-2a-(3'-oxo-6'-carbomethoxy-hexyl)-cyclopentane 3 one which comprises the steps of subjecting 2-methyl-2-(3-oxo-6-carbomethoxyhexyl)- cyclopentane-1,3-dione to the action of reducing enzymes produced by a culture of Rhizopus arrhizus, and recovering said levorotatory (chloroform) IB-hydroxy-ZB- methyl-2a- (3 '-oxo-6-carbomethoxy-hexyl -cyclopentane- 3-one.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,833,694 5/1958 Prelog -51 3,281,330 1*0/1966 Fonken, et a1. 195--5l ALVIN E. TANENHOLTZ, Primary Examiner.

US. Cl. X.R. 

